While many assume that reduced efficiency is mainly due to cloudy weather or insufficient sunlight, the reality is that dirty panels are a leading cause of energy loss1. Dirt blocks light from entering the panel which leads to decreased energy efficiency, 15-70% less power output, depending on the environmental factors in the installation location2. Furthermore, the accumulation of dust, dirt and bird droppings can lead to hotspots which can cause overheating and harm to solar cells, permanently damaging the entire panel and resulting in high repair and replacement costs.
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain peak efficiency and ensure your solar panels operate at their best. To optimize performance, we recommend cleaning your panels 1-4 times per year depending on the levels and type of soiling affecting the installation. Examples of environments with high levels of soiling are areas with construction work or cement factories and factories with boilers or producing food products with high sugar content. Additionally, inspecting them at the start and end of summer can help identify any cracks, damage, or excessive buildup that could impact their functionality. With Solfield’s specialized solar panel cleaning, maintaining clean and efficient panels becomes easier and more effective, helping you get the most out of your solar energy system.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhEkK-USbzY&list=PL6eDncZ4Zz9RCIeRuTv3Rd4feabVTJHy5&index=19[/embed]
Solfield cleans solar panels using innovative technology and specialist personnel. Our service is safer, more efficient, and uses less water compared to manual cleaning services. We use the cutting-edge Solar Cleano F1 remote-controlled robot, deionised water and decades of combined experience with work at height and height safety to provide a more reliable service, conserves water, and outperforms traditional cleaning methods.
The F1 by Solar Cleano is a tool tailor designed for solar panel cleaning, an all-in-one solar cleaning solution built by cleaners for cleaners.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSxedc6nWhc&list=PL6eDncZ4Zz9RCIeRuTv3Rd4feabVTJHy5&index=4[/embed]
Some of the benefits of the F1 by Solar Cleano are:
- The F1 is highly efficient, effective, and versatile.
- The F1 is the fastest cleaning robot on the market at up to 1,600m² per hour.
- It uses significantly less water than conventional cleaning techniques.
- It exerts only 4200 pascals of pressure on the panel, ensuring that the panels are safe, and avoiding micro-cracks on the panel surface.
- It is capable of cleaning a variety of different panel sizes and configurations, and it has specialised clean pads to clean up to a 25-degree angle.
- It can be used for both wet and dry solar panel cleaning3.
- It can easily cross any gap up to 70cm.
- It connects to standard garden hoses of 13-15mm in diameter and of 2.0 – 8.0 bar solar panel cleaning water pressure and has valves to regulate water consumption.
The F1 gives Solfield an edge over conventional cleaning techniques:
- It is faster than manual cleaning.
- The F1 is built to safely traverse panels without damaging them.
- The F1 uses up to 6x less water than manual cleaning.
- Its dual cleaning pads make two passes over dirty areas, ensuring a thorough clean.
- It uses deionised/demineralised water to avoid limescale deposits which create streaks or residues on the panels.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5XnJq2qdTM&list=PL6eDncZ4Zz9RCIeRuTv3Rd4feabVTJHy5&index=15[/embed]
The F1 robot is remote-controlled by a trained human operator using an on-board camera. Our technicians come from a background of working at heights and are experienced in height safety, further limiting any liability to hardware or human life. Furthermore, Solfield has the correct systems, certifications, and insurance to operate safely and proficiently.
Solfield’s process is simple and straightforward, these are the steps involved in using our services:
- Request a quote.
- Receive a quote.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Let us do the rest!
Get a quote now: https://solfield.co.za/get-a-quote/
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMj1D5XWtwg&list=PL6eDncZ4Zz9RCIeRuTv3Rd4feabVTJHy5&index=21[/embed]
We also provide Solar Cleano robots to others, if you are interested in acquiring a Solar Cleano robot. These robots can be dismounted into four parts for easy transportation. They are highly mobile and can be easily carried and operated by only one person3. They are also quick and easy to disassemble and reassemble. Get your robot here: https://solfield.co.za/our-service/
Maintaining clean solar panels is crucial for maximizing efficiency, preventing damage, and ensuring long-term performance. Furthermore, cleaning your panels is an essential part of maintaining your assets, maximizing your return on investment, and producing sustainable energy efficiency. With Solfield’s advanced cleaning solutions, powered by the industry-leading Solar Cleano F1 robot, solar panel maintenance has never been safer, more efficient, or more eco-friendly. By using cutting-edge technology, experienced professionals, and water-conscious cleaning methods, Solfield provides a superior alternative to traditional cleaning techniques. Whether you need a one-time cleaning service, a regular maintenance plan, or want to invest in your own Solar Cleano robot, Solfield has the expertise and innovation to meet your needs. Take the next step in protecting your solar investment—get a quote today and experience the future of solar panel cleaning. DM
1 Off Grid Power Solutions. (2022). Does Dirt Affect Solar Panel’s Efficiency? Available: https://offgridpowersolutions.co.za/does-dirt-affect-the-efficiency-of-solar-panels/ [February 20, 2025].
2 Saini, R. & Saini, D., Gupta, R., Verma, P., Dwivedi, R., Kumar, A., & Chauhan, D. & Kumar, S. (2022). Effects of dust on the performance of solar panels – a review update from 2015–2020. Energy & Environment. 34.
3SolarCleano. (2022). F1 – Your all-in-one solar panel cleaning solution. Available: https://solarcleano.com/product/solar-panel-cleaning-robot-f1 [February 25, 2025].